- A 2020 survey reveals that more than a quarter of respondents were found to be at risk of clinical-level mental health problems.
- Of eight countries surveyed, Singapore ranked highest for mental health wellbeing.
- While the UK and South Africa ranked the lowest.
- Young people and those who are nonbinary/third gender are struggling the most.
- The report stresses the importance of sleep, exercise and socializing to boost mental health.
Young people should be taught the importance of sleep, exercise and socializing to tackle the global mental health crisis heightened by the pandemic.
Steps also need to be taken to counterbalance the effects of policies that have led to periods of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly where young people are concerned.
These are some of the findings from Sapien Labs’ inaugural Mental State of the World Report 2020, which has looked at mental wellbeing trends across eight English speaking countries. While echoing many of the calls for people to take good care of themselves, the report also points to the role of social and economic policy.
The report is part of Sapien Labs’ Mental Health Million project, which aims to capture a view of mental health wellbeing around the world. Its findings are based on an online assessment called the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ), which has been completed by around 49,000 people over the course of nine months. Although its focus has been on eight English-speaking countries, Sapien Labs says it has captured responses from people in 130 countries.